Joseph Chester Totten, Jr.

Joseph Chester Totten Jr., age 74, of Edgewood, passed peacefully into his eternal rest on Wednesday  April 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Cindy Totten, and by his three sons: Joseph C. III (Jennifer) of Pittsburgh, Charles M. (Maggie) of Pittsburgh, and Casey T.  (Alexa) of San Diego.

Born and raised in Point Breeze, Joe was the eldest son of the late Joseph C. Totten Sr. and Rita Brown Totten, and brother of the late Anne Gerard Totten. He is survived by his siblings Marie Danielle Scheib (Dr. Frederick J.), Gerard A. (Diane), Terence M. (Mary Jo), and T. Bradley (Colleen) Totten.

“Papa Joe” was the cherished grandfather of Cooper, Milo, Liam, Lillian, Austin, and Waverly Totten, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, George and Nancy Cook.

Joe was a proud graduate of St. Bede School, Central Catholic High School (Class of 1970), and the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1974)—institutions that shaped his character and remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was inducted into the St. Bede School Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2018, he and his brothers received the Legacy Family Award from Central Catholic High School in recognition of their longstanding commitment as Men of Faith, Men of Scholarship, and Men of Service.

Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, on Sunday, April 19th from 3–5 p.m. and Monday, April 20th from 2–8 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 21 by Father Nicholas Vaskov at St. Bede Church of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, 509 S. Dallas Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Catholic High School, directed to the Joseph C. Totten Memorial Scholarship Fund, 4720 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

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